First Listen Fridays: New Music to Know – 4th July 2025

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Kick off July the right way by exploring a fresh batch of hot new music. With ten tunes sure to get your summer sorted, IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have given their picks for their favourite drops today. It’s been a great summer for music so far, and these artists are making it even better. From Afro-fusion to classic R&B to chilled-out indie pop, we have a great variety this week.

Tom’s Picks

Kae Tempest – Sunshine On Catford

After a few years away, we have a new record from this poet, with this just one of the many new tracks from ‘Self Titled‘. The more poppy, kick drum-packed beat is a new sound for Tempest as they recount feeling accepted by this new person in their life. Neil Tennant is also used perfectly, providing a great chorus. This is a great example of finding that someone, with this artist’s words continuing to express emotion in a poignant way. Together with Fraser T. Smith, I can’t wait to hear the rest of the project.

Katy B – Avalanche

Following a resurgence after her collaboration with Sub Focus, we have more new bangers from Katy B. This one takes the form of a speed garage slammer about being desirable to someone and asking them to ‘come and get it’. Her delivery feels more direct and uses her vocal chops less, but fits the tone and dancefloor-ready production. Together with Silva Bumpa, this is another club-ready wobbler from one of the early 2010s’ best hitmakers. While the title and preview clips suggest a more wintery vibe, this is perfectly timed for July.

For Those I Love – No Scheme

Having made waves in their native Ireland, the rest of the world is starting to wake up to the talents of this musical project. The ambient beat has a rhythm, but also a melancholy to it, which matches the words of growing up from youth and the troubles of adulthood. As the track continues, the intensity of the beat builds, as does David Balfe’s delivery as he shows anger about the modern world. There is a lot of relatability around the sorrow of youth ending and the society we currently live in, and I can’t wait for the new LP.

Äyanna – Be A Man

Kicking off a new era, this R’n’B singer is bringing those old school vibes. The production is smooth, the lyrics are punchy, and the control and pitch changing on the vocals are just showing off. The change-up on the delivery front in the second half is again just highlighting this artist’s abilities. This track was just a display of what this artist wants in a partner and her A-star performance abilities. July is the beginning of summer and a new chapter for this talented artist.

Oppidan & venbee – over you

Our Purple List UKG producer keeps on delivering in 2025 and has another one to get the ravers going. As usual, the warbly synths take centre stage over a more tranquil production, with venbee’s more understated delivery matching this vibe. The beat coming in and out against the echoing vocals is also a nice touch to vary it up. This combines melancholy with danceability for a sound that is fresh for this artist.

Kloe’s Picks

Noxz feat Hamzaa – luh uh uh

Here’s one for my R&B fans who love a bit of Afro fusion. Nigerian-British producer Noxz is building momentum, steadily garnering a reputation as a certified hit-maker of the global music scene. Celebrating queer love fresh off Pride month, the London-based multi-instrumentalist enlists Hamzaa on vocals. Hamzaa is one of my favourite voices in UK R&B, so this link-up was foolproof. Press play for that golden hour glowing energy we need all summer long.

FAVE – Intentions (A COLORS Show)

Have I just discovered your new favourite Nigerian songstress? Possibly. FAVE is an underrated singer-songwriter to watch this year. She has proved it by dropping an irresistible new track via COLORS. Despite being inspired by the likes of Adele and Aaliyah, she delivers her own sound by blending R&B, afrobeats, and dancehall. In this addictive track, FAVE simply asks her lover to keep it real with her while she keeps it real with them: “I’m not ready to be anyone’s shawdy“. You can say that again!

Shelly – Cross Your Mind

For fans of beabadoobee or Clairo, tune into indie pop band Shelly this weekend. Comprised of Clairo herself and her super-talented best friends, their discography feels like pals recording music in their bedrooms in the best possible way. Their newest track encompasses suburban teen angst in the sweetest tone. It’s an ode to nostalgia told in a way that is blissfully melancholic. 

The Colleagues FT. October London – I Miss You

One of the finest voices in R&B today, October London lends his smooth-as-butter vocals to an exclusive EP with The Colleagues. This platinum-selling producer drops the first in his ‘featured series’ where he and an incredible artist pair up to make musical magic in a focused EP. There are lots of great tracks on ‘Love Language’, but ‘I Miss You’ is a standout. It’s got the classic R&B formula – a swoon-worthy star apologising for infidelity. However, if you have a voice as classic as Mr London – you can’t help but forgive him.

Clean Bandit and Lloyiso – Believe

With all the atrocities happening in the world, optimism can feel like a radical act. Lloyiso delivers this in spades in a new summer bop. ‘Believe’ is a radio-ready track that’s sure to shoot him to new levels of stardom. This unexpected collaboration between the South African vocalist and English electronic group is an instant mood booster, showcasing his undeniable talent. For fans who have been with Lloyiso since the beginning, take this as a sign that his underdog days are over. 

Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below to enjoy our top picks. Read last week’s picks here.

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